Résumé
Auto-immune and inflammatory systemic diseases often affect women of childbearing age, and therefore can have a critical impact on women’s reproductive health. Our work involved three objectives. First, we aimed to describe the present state of knowledge on interactions between autoimmune diseases and women’s health, thanks to a literature review of fertility and pregnancy-related consequences regarding each main inflammatory systemic disease. This review brought to light that those conditions are associated with increased risks of adversepregnancy outcomes, and some of them are also associated with decreased fertility.Second, we conducted a prospective multicentric qualitative study including 57 female patients between 18 and 60 years old suffering from autoimmune disease. They were offered to answer an online survey exploring their reproductive concerns, their current knowledge about fertility and pregnancy topics, and their preferred channel of education. Results showed high concerns (mean score 65/95) about fertility and pregnancy-related issues contrasting with a rather low percentage of patients declaring being educated on these topics (63%). 50% of questions these women had about these topics remained unanswered. Preferred education channel would be a paired consultation involving an internist and a fertility specialist, then “education flyers” and a broader access to patients’ associations. Finally, we tried to identify and provide practical educational tools for health professionals and patients, adapted to patient’s needs as identified in our study, in order to better meet patients’ expectations on these topics.